Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay recently awarded $10,500 in scholarships and awards.

The Ruby Award honors women making extraordinary efforts on behalf of other women. This year’s Ruby awardee, Katrina Taylor-Sims, uses her experience as a survivor of human trafficking to help other girls and women at risk. After working with a safe house, she became a member of the Forgotten Children Awareness Team, expanding her work to educate the community about the signs of trafficking and the issues associated with it. Her charity of choice is Empower, Protect and Invest.

The Women in Science Award honors a woman in the community making a difference in the field of science or the arts. This year’s recipient, Eve Robinson, is an ocean scientist who has dedicated her career to improving equity, diversity and the inclusion of women and minorities in the field of science. She mentors and advises students from middle school through undergraduate studies, is active in a support group for students and faculty teaching in science and actively participates in scholarship programs to encourage new students interested in science and technology. Her charity of choice is True North Organizing Network.

The Live Your Dream Award is given to a woman who is financially responsible for at least one dependent while being enrolled in a form of higher education. This year’s winner, Heather Escareno, grew up the youngest of seven children. Although well loved, she found herself homeless on more than one occasion during her childhood. This and many other trials gave her a heart for those less fortunate, and she wanted to make a difference. She is now raising four children, working and working on her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Humboldt State University. She plans to work in the community at a nonprofit or with the county.

The Distinguished Youth Award winner, Colton Johnston, is a senior at Eureka High School. He has served as a volunteer at local events for nearly a decade. His most recent endeavor, the landscaping of two large median islands at the intersection of Campton Road and Walnut Drive, welcomes residents and visitors alike to Cutten. Johnston received early acceptance to California Institute of Technology. Having spent the past four years in leadership roles within the Eureka High Science Bowl Club, he is prepared to pursue an advanced degree in science or math.

The Violet Richardson Award is given in honor of Soroptimist International’s founder, whose life motto was “It’s what you DO that counts!” This year’s recipient, Trishtan Flowers, has donated her time by being a role model to the kids at Jefferson School. Whether helping with homework or providing a listening ear, she pays it forward to a program that meant a lot to her as a child.

The Moving Forward Award is a new award that SI Humboldt Bay agreed to provide this year. It is for a woman who has overcome challenges and obstacles faced in completing her education. Ying Lee is the recipient of the Moving Forward Award for 2019. She is a mother of two young children and will graduate from College of the Redwoods with an associate degree in business administration. She is the second eldest of nine siblings and will be the first to hold a college degree in her family. Her degree focus is to work in hospital patient care where she can impact and advocate for the patient experience. She will be attending the University of Washington to complete her bachelor’s degree in hospital administration. Her goal is to continue on to receive her master’s degree.

The Women’s Re-Entry Award is for motivated women with strength of character and a clear set of goals who have re-entered to complete a higher form of education. There are two 2019 awardees: Wiyaka Previte and Katrina Taylor-Sims.

Previte is a first-generation college student who was raised by her mother, who is a member of the Karuk Tribe. She grew up closely identifying with her culture and being a Karuk woman. This has led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in forestry with a concentration in wildlife fire management and a minor in botany. She is a single mother and incorporates her culture, passion for forestry with time spent with her children.

Taylor-Sims, who has overcome many obstacles in her life, has returned to college, completing courses while operating a business. She is working tirelessly to better the lives of other women and girls through her work in various organizations and causes.